Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Steering (56.1% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Steering complaints here are 9.0× the median for that category across the 1656 model-years tracked on this site.
3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 1,107 · 56.1% | Recalled | Recall 14V284000 |
| Power Train | 223 · 11.3% | Recalled | Recall 15V606000 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 168 · 8.5% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 127 · 6.4% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes | 120 · 6.1% | No official action | — |
| Power Train:automatic Transmission | 107 · 5.4% | Recalled | Recall 15V606000 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 1,972 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 15E045000 · 2015 · reported 06/03/2015
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 14V526000 · 2014 · reported 09/03/2014
If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 15V606000 · 2015 · reported 09/29/2015
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 14V284000 · 2014 · reported 05/29/2014
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 10E043000 · 2010 · reported 09/03/2010
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE. SHE STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD LOCK INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN…”NHTSA complaint 10303871 — filed 02/02/2010 · STEERING
“WHEN BACKING UP IN REVERSE, WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT, THERE IS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING.”NHTSA complaint 10229133 — filed 05/28/2008 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 1,107 of 1,972 NHTSA complaints (56.1%), followed by power train (223), vehicle speed control (168), electrical system (127). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
1,972 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 59 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, and 44 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15E045000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
